Science Degree, Teacher Training, and Science Teaching

The chapter describes the astonishingly rich and vital undergraduate years spent completing, on a Teachers Scholarship, the University of Sydney science degree. Of significance was completion of two years of philosophy that left a lasting impression. Participation in the socially and intellectually rich life of the University Newman Society is described, as is John Henry Newman’s commitment to Liberal Education with its embrace of cross-disciplinary teaching and learning. The career-defining effect of the compulsory philosophy of education course undertaken while doing the Diploma of Education at Sydney Teachers College is detailed. In particular, the impact of Richard Peters’ book Ethics and Education is described. The first years of full-on science teaching and extra-curricular activities at Dulwich High School are outlined. This includes a first day disagreement with the head of department about the organisation of the science programme.